1 Kings 3:14

Authorized King James Version

And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֣ם׀
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#2
הָלַ֖ךְ
did walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#3
בִּדְרָכַ֗י
in my ways
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#4
לִשְׁמֹ֤ר
to keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#5
חֻקַּי֙
my statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
#6
וּמִצְוֹתַ֔י
and my commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#7
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
הָלַ֖ךְ
did walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
דָּוִ֣יד
David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
אָבִ֑יךָ
H1
as thy father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#11
וְהַֽאֲרַכְתִּ֖י
then I will lengthen
to be (causative, make) long (literally or figuratively)
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
יָמֶֽיךָ׃
thy days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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